The event will be conducted primarily on the northeast side of the airfield, with agencies and local hospitals responding as if it were an actual emergency, according to a release issued Thursday.

Officials expect the exercise to begin at 8 a.m. and last several hours.

“Neighbors should note that there will be increased activity in and around the airport on Saturday, Sept. 14,” said John Thomas, chief of the R.I. Airport Corporation Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting unit, who is coordinating the event. “This exercise is intended to review proper protocol in the event of a disaster and also to reassure travelers and others that the airport is prepared if an unfortunate event were to occur.”

More than 20 agencies will participate in the exercise, including the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration, RIEMA, the R.I. State Police, the R.I. Department of Health, the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, the RIAC rescue and firefighting unit, and Warwick police and firefighters.

The mock disaster exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of Rhode Island crisis managers and first responders. The FAA requires that all airports perform such an exercise every three years to receive the agency’s safety certification.

The exercise is funded by RIEMA’s Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.

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